“I know I should be drinking more water.” I bet you have said this statement, and everyone around you probably has too. Drinking liquids is important and 8 glasses (64 oz) of water a day is the general recommendation.

Drinking water is not easy for many because some people don’t feel thirsty, others don’t like the taste of it, and some say their belly feels terrible after drinking too many liquids, like a sloshing feeling.

Then, sometimes, we are not sure about a seemingly simple task: How big should the glass be? Is it better to drink water with or without ice? What if I drink coffee does that count toward my hydration? How about a soft drink at lunch? Does that count, too? Should I drink more water to lose weight? Will I lose belly fat if I hydrate more?

How to stay hydrated when you have trouble drinking water

Why is it important to drink water and hydrate our bodies?

I am sure you know by now that our bodies are made of 60% water. Water has several essential jobs in our body:

• It transports nutrients and oxygen in our body to help grow and repair itself
• It flushes the kidneys and liver to remove toxins from the body
• Water lubricates your joints and acts as a shock absorber in your joints
• It regulates body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate
• It helps you maintain a healthy metabolism

Hydration Is More Important In Menopause

According to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult loses more than 10 cups of water per day. Women in perimenopause or menopause lose more water due to night sweats than the average adult. It appears that the more we hydrate, the less likely we are to suffer from hot flashes and night sweats. During that time, many women suffer from dizziness that may be caused by hormonal fluctuations and dehydration.

Hydrate You Skin

Worried about your appearance? Water can help there too. Dehydration can result in dry skin that is saggy and wrinkled; as we age, we are less able to conserve water. According to Selfgrowth.com, “a big percentage of the fluids that we ingest leaves our body through sweat and urine, resulting in the need to drink more water than when we are younger.”

Hydrate By Eating Your Water!

“You don’t have to drink water per se to get water, you can eat watery foods, and that will count,” says Nancy Clark, a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist in Boston. “Soup counts, yogurt, and watermelon count. Orange is 92% water, and salads are full of water; so all in all, people get plenty of water through foods and beverages other than water.”

How about you eat more fruits and vegetables and load up on water that way?

Here are a few suggestions to not only increase your water intake but also to get vital minerals and nutrients into your daily meals.

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